What is plug-in solar?

A plug-in solar kit is a small solar power system that connects directly into a standard outlet. No electrician, permit, or utility approval is required for systems 1,200 watts and under with Vermont's new solar law.

It mounts to your roof, a wall, a fence or railing, or the ground, and starts offsetting your electric bill the moment it's plugged in.

Unlike a traditional rooftop solar system, plug-in solar isn't wired into your home's electrical panel. That means it's simpler to install, easier to move, and doesn't require the inspection process that comes with a full rooftop system.

What's in the kit

Your 1200W kit includes everything you need to get up and running:

• Three 400W solar panels
• A microinverter, which converts the power your panels generate into electricity your home can use
• MC4 connectors and cabling to link the panels to the microinverter
• A standard plug to connect the system to a GFCI outlet

Mounting hardware (for roof, ground, or fence mounts) is arranged separately based on what fits your home. You can select the mounting type yourself, or based on a free consultation.

Safety is built into the equipment. The microinverter includes anti-islanding protection, meaning it automatically stops sending power if it detects a grid outage, protecting utility workers who may be repairing lines nearby. It also guards against circuit overloading and offers voltage protection.

How it works

1. Reserve your spot. Sign up below to join the group.
2. We order once 50 households join. Orders go out in batches. Once the group reaches 50 households, we collect payment and place the order. If you join after a batch has already ordered, you'll be added to the next one, so your kit may ship a little later.
3. Bring your neighbors in. The faster the group grows, the sooner the order goes in. If you know other mobile home residents in Milton, invite them to sign up too.
4. We help you plan your install. OwnWatts and the Energy Committee will help you figure out the best mounting approach for your home, whether that's a roof clamp, a ground mount, or a fence/railing mount.
5. Install it yourself, or get help. These systems are self-install by design. If you'd rather not do it alone, volunteer teams from the co-op are available to help.
6. Need a new outlet? Some homes may need a new outdoor GFCI outlet to connect the system safely. If that applies to you, we'll organize a separate group buy for electrician work, at a lower cost than hiring one on your own.

What's included

• Your 1200W plug-in kit, at the group rate, ordered in bulk with your neighbors
• A step-by-step Program Guide covering setup, maintenance, and support
• Warranty registration guidance, so your system is protected from day one
• A direct line to OwnWatts for questions, before and after you purchase

The numbers

Retail price is $1,950. Estimates use Milton's current utility rate of $0.21/kWh, Vermont's average sun hours, and an expected system lifetime of 25 years. Mounting hardware runs separately. Actual savings depend on your household's electricity use and site conditions.

What plug-in solar doesn't do

A 1200W system doesn't typically power your whole home. It offsets part of your electric bill, and it will not keep your home running during a power outage unless it's paired with battery storage. This is a safety feature; the system automatically shuts off during an outage to protect utility workers repairing the grid.

Frequently asked questions